Infrared detector module test system

A sensor testing system for testing the operation of detector modules designed to be placed in earth orbit, said detector modules having a plurality of detector elements, the system comprising:

• an optical scene test generator (OSTG) for generating an optical scene representative of the earth's surface as seen from a satellite in space and an object moving in relation to the earth's surface, said OSTG comprising:
• a first dynamically positionable infrared frequency light signal source for generating a first infrared frequency light signal representative of the earth's surface;
• a second dynamically positionable infrared frequency light signal source for generating a second signal representative of a moving object;
• an optical image combiner for receiving and combining the first and second infrared frequency light signals, and for directing the combined first and second infrared frequency light signals toward the detector elements;
• and
• a positioning apparatus connected to each of said first and second infrared frequency light signal sources for dynamically positioning each of said first and second infrared frequency light signal sources relative to one another and relative to said detector modules such that the independent motions of a target and background may be simulated;
• and
• a sensor chamber disposed adjacent the OSTG for storing a detector module to be tested, said detector module having a first surface comprised of a plurality of detector elements and being positioned within the sensor chamber to expose at least a portion of said detector elements to the optical scene generated by the OSTG.